What to Do If the Handbrake Button Cap Breaks?
3 Answers
Open the leather cover under the handbrake to check if the cable is stuck. It's common for the cable to freeze in cold winter. In an emergency, to prevent the car from rolling after parking, it is recommended to shift into gear after turning off the engine. Shift into reverse gear if on a downhill slope, or first gear if on an uphill slope.
I also encountered this annoying issue last time. The handbrake button cap was broken, exposing the button post, which made it uncomfortable to operate and raised safety concerns. At the time, I temporarily fixed it tightly with strong electrical tape, allowing me to pull and release the handbrake, but I had to drive carefully, especially when parking on slopes to avoid rolling. A mechanic friend told me it’s a common problem due to plastic aging, and insufficient lubrication accelerates the breakage. I quickly went to a repair shop and got a new cap for just 30 bucks—the mechanic fixed it in minutes, and now it works smoothly like new. He recommended spraying anti-rust lubricant on the button’s moving parts monthly to extend its lifespan. A friend also mentioned using hot glue as a temporary fix for a few weeks, but it’s not durable. In short, don’t delay fixing such minor issues—they affect driving comfort and hide risks. After replacing the cap, I feel much more at ease. Also, avoid pulling the handbrake too forcefully when parking to prevent breakage.
Replacing the button cap yourself is quite simple. First, buy a matching cap online or at an auto parts store, usually costing between 10-50 RMB. Remove the handbrake cover, clean off the old cap fragments, then align and press in the new cap. Last time, I spent 15 RMB on an online purchase and finished the job in 20 minutes with a screwdriver—wearing gloves to prevent cuts made it smooth. After installation, test the handbrake by pulling and releasing it several times to ensure it's secure. If you don't have a replacement part temporarily, you can use a rubber stopper to cover the button post as an emergency fix. While you're at it, check the nearby handbrake cable for wear to avoid related issues. This DIY approach saves money and hones your skills, saving time compared to visiting a shop while also learning minor repair techniques. Regularly spraying a bit of lubricant on the button prevents sticking and extends its lifespan.
